McGirr Law, P.C.

10/17/2026

Litigation should always protect your fundamental rights and your children’s best interests, not serve as a weapon to settle emotional scores. By sidestepping petty traps and focusing on what your life will look like five years from now, you can protect your financial health and build a stable foundation for the future.

To learn more, check out our latest blog on the topic!

High-conflict litigation can make minor disagreements feel catastrophic. But as experienced family law attorneys know all too well...

10/16/2026

Starting a private practice from scratch in a competitive market like Austin is no small feat. Host Cheryl McGirr shares her journey of turning down insulting, low-ball job offers to bet on herself. With a bit of family help covering rent and the business savvy she learned from her father before law school, she managed to cover her living expenses on just $1,000 a month while building her own successful firm.

Subscribe to the Texas Lawyer Podcast for more real-world legal business advice!

10/15/2026

Board-certified family law attorney Ilana Tanner shares essential advice for anyone considering law school or becoming a lawyer on the Texas Lawyer Podcast with host Cheryl McGirr. Ilana explains why aspiring attorneys need real courtroom experience, why preparation matters more than a big personality, and how trying different legal fields helps you find the right fit.

Watch the full Episode 12 for more insights into courtroom litigation, firm ownership, and balancing a legal career with parenthood!

10/14/2026

Should anyone have to choose between paying a traffic ticket fine and paying their monthly rent?

In this clip from the Texas Lawyer Podcast, hosted by Cheryl McGirr, Judge Farren Sheehan discusses her judicial philosophy on individualized justice in municipal court. She explains why offering community service instead of heavy financial penalties benefits the community without placing an undue burden on individuals. Farren and Cheryl also explore how focusing on the details makes all the difference when practicing estate planning and family law.

10/13/2026

Single mother and board-certified family law attorney Ilana Tanner discusses the real-world challenge of balancing demanding trial schedules with raising a toddler on the Texas Lawyer Podcast with host Cheryl McGirr. Ilana shares her experience dealing with last-minute court extensions, daycare deadlines, and why she chooses to keep her Austin practice intentional and client-focused rather than over-expanding.

Watch the full Episode 12 for more insights into courtroom litigation, firm ownership, and balancing a legal career with parenthood!

10/12/2026

Board-certified family law attorney Ilana Tanner and podcast host Cheryl McGirr discuss why focusing on the big picture is more important than fighting over minor details like holiday schedules or a standing desk. On Episode 12 of the Texas Lawyer Podcast, they share how helping clients look 3 to 5 years into the future cuts through emotional trauma and leads to better settlements.

Watch the full Episode 12 for more insights into courtroom litigation, firm ownership, and balancing a legal career with parenthood!

10/12/2026

True success in family law isn’t about defeating the other side in a courtroom spectacle; it’s about helping families move through one of life’s hardest moments while keeping their dignity, finances, and long-term stability intact.

How do you define a “win” when navigating a difficult legal transition?

While a favorable judgment after a grueling trial feels gratifying, the most meaningful victories often happen outside the courtroom...

10/11/2026

Board-certified family law attorney Ilana Tanner joins Texas Lawyer Podcast host Cheryl McGirr to share what true success looks like in family law. From guiding clients through high-conflict mediations to winning a high-stakes jury trial for a low-income mother against wealthy grandparents, Ilana highlights why helping families see "life after divorce" is the ultimate victory.

Watch the full Episode 12 for more insights into courtroom litigation, firm ownership, and balancing a legal career with parenthood!

10/10/2026

Family law attorney Ilana Tanner and podcast host Cheryl McGirr discuss one of the biggest surprises of starting a law practice: running a business! On Episode 12 of the Texas Lawyer Podcast, they break down what law school never taught them about accounting, office management, and the shift from old-school legal practices to modern law firm ownership.

Watch the full Episode 12 for more insights into courtroom litigation, firm ownership, and balancing a legal career with parenthood!

10/09/2026

It's incredibly challenging for judges to make decisions that are politically unpopular but legally correct. Attorney Ryan Deck and host Cheryl McGirr discuss the legendary boldness of the late Judge Kennon, who famously granted a mistrial in a high-profile murder trial because the law demanded it, despite intense public pressure for immediate justice.

Subscribe to the Texas Lawyer Podcast for more insider legal insights and stories!